Jeff’s Note #
Unlike generic exam dumps, ADH analyzes this scenario through the lens of a Real-World Site Reliability Engineer (SRE).
For SOA-C02 candidates, the confusion often lies in how to efficiently update agent configurations at scale without manual instance logins. In production, this is about knowing exactly how to leverage AWS Systems Manager Run Command and CloudWatch agent configuration overlays for seamless log updates across hundreds of instances. Let’s drill down.
The Certification Drill (Simulated Question) #
Scenario #
TechGlobal, a multinational logistics provider, operates a Windows-based environment with 100 Amazon EC2 instances monitored by the Amazon CloudWatch agent. The agent is deployed on all instances using a baseline configuration that captures common log files for monitoring. Recently, the compliance team requested capturing DHCP server logs from approximately half (50) of these instances for audit purposes. TechGlobal wants to implement this new logging requirement operationally efficiently with minimal manual intervention and downtime.
The Requirement: #
Determine the operationally efficient way to add DHCP log file monitoring to only the 50 specific EC2 Windows instances already running the CloudWatch agent with a baseline configuration.
The Options #
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A) Create an additional CloudWatch agent configuration file specifically for the DHCP logs. Use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to append this new configuration and restart the CloudWatch agent on the 50 target instances so both baseline and DHCP logs are collected.
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B) Log in with administrative credentials to each of the 50 EC2 Windows instances. Manually create a PowerShell script to push the DHCP logs along with existing baseline logs into CloudWatch.
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C) Run the CloudWatch agent configuration wizard on each of the 50 instances individually. Confirm the baseline logs are included, and during wizard steps, add DHCP logs to the configuration before restarting the agent.
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D) Run the CloudWatch agent configuration wizard on each of the 50 instances and choose an advanced logging detail level, which will automatically start capturing operating system logs including DHCP events.
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Correct Answer #
A
Quick Insight: The SysOps Imperative #
- Automating log collection updates across many EC2 instances without individually logging in is critical to operational scalability.
- Using AWS Systems Manager Run Command with configuration overlays to update CloudWatch agent settings and restart the agent allows targeted, efficient rollouts.
- Manual instance login or wizard-driven per-host changes create excessive operational overhead and risk inconsistencies.
Content Locked: The Expert Analysis #
You’ve identified the answer. But do you know the implementation details that separate a Junior from a Senior?
The Expert’s Analysis #
Correct Answer #
Option A
The Winning Logic #
Option A is the right choice because it leverages AWS Systems Manager Run Command to efficiently distribute a supplementary CloudWatch agent configuration file that adds DHCP log monitoring. This approach does not require manual login to each instance or running an interactive wizard. The baseline configuration remains intact while appending the needed DHCP logs. Once deployed, Systems Manager triggers a restart of the CloudWatch agent on the targeted 50 instances to apply the new config seamlessly and atomically. This method is scalable, automatable, and the industry-recommended best practice for updating CloudWatch agent configs across many instances.
The Trap (Distractor Analysis): #
- Why not B? Manually logging in to 50 instances and running PowerShell scripts is operationally costly, error-prone, and does not scale. It also defeats the purpose of centralized management.
- Why not C? Running the CloudWatch agent wizard individually on each instance requires login and manual steps, which is tedious and inefficient for large fleets.
- Why not D? Selecting an advanced detail level does not guarantee specific logs like DHCP are captured. This option is vague and may result in excessive unnecessary logs and increased costs.
The Technical Blueprint #
# Example AWS CLI command to run Systems Manager Run Command
aws ssm send-command \
--document-name "AmazonCloudWatch-ManageAgent" \
--targets '[{"Key":"tag:Role","Values":["DHCP-Servers"]}]' \
--parameters '{"action":["configure"],"mode":["append"],"configFile":["dhcp-log-config.json"]}' \
--comment "Append DHCP logs to CloudWatch agent configuration" \
--timeout-seconds 600
Here, the dhcp-log-config.json contains the CloudWatch agent configuration snippet to capture DHCP logs. The Run Command executes on all instances tagged (for example) as DHCP servers.
The Comparative Analysis #
| Option | Operational Overhead | Automation Level | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Low – centralized via Systems Manager | High – automated config deployment and agent restart | Minimal downtime, precise target scope |
| B | Very High – manual instance login | None – manual scripts | High risk of errors and inconsistencies |
| C | High – manual per-instance wizard | None – interactive process | Time-consuming, risky human errors |
| D | Moderate – single step but vague | Low – unclear if DHCP logs captured | Over-collection of logs, increased cost |
Real-World Application (Practitioner Insight) #
Exam Rule #
“For the exam, always pick Systems Manager to automate configuration changes on multiple EC2 instances without manual logins.”
Real World #
“In reality, tagging EC2 instances by role (e.g., DHCP servers) then running Systems Manager Run Command ensures precise targeting and compliance with audit log requirements at scale.”
(CTA) Stop Guessing, Start Mastering #
Disclaimer
This is a study note based on simulated scenarios for the SOA-C02 exam.